Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 40 of 44

Thread: New TO Me C 180!

  1. #1

  2. #2
    The pics are, back home at the house here in Brighton, CO Van Aire Airpark (CO12), The Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Some of the 14'ers SE of ASPEN, and in the shop getting ready for the GOOD once over!. The Airplane Grew up in Alaska in the Palmer area, till 1998, then in San Diego till now. It is a 1974 C180J 5000TT and a run out motor. P.Ponk this winter! The new family Skywagon!!!

    Brandon
    Last edited by Superchub; 03-24-2012 at 08:41 AM.

  3. #3
    Sweet! Congratulations and enjoy.

    When you were asking about engines you mentioned a J motor. Your ('74) J MODEL should have an R motor, yes?

  4. #4
    Looks great, congratulations.
    1948 PA-14

  5. #5
    fobjob's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Salt Lake City, Utah
    Posts
    1,320
    Blog Entries
    3
    Can you fit?

  6. #6
    Learned lots of great tricks from Steve on his conversion that made an outstanding engine. Have fun.
    Steve Pierce

    "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
    Henry Ford

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by sierra bravo View Post
    Sweet! Congratulations and enjoy.

    When you were asking about engines you mentioned a J motor. Your ('74) J MODEL should have an R motor, yes?
    I ended up buying this latter model. It has a S motor. I had been looking a a 55 with a J motor..

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by fobjob View Post
    Can you fit?
    Just barely! I did a nonstop from Lake Havasu AZ to Brighton 4hrs. 11 min. and other than a full bladder I felt prety good...

  9. #9
    I hope you bond with yours like I have with my '75 J model. My favorite airplane, without question.

    Start dreaming about props. That's the biggest advantage of the PPonk mod.... Big 185 props. Zoom zoom!

  10. #10
    Very nice! I love my Pponk and Mac 86. Pierce did a great job building my engine.

    BTW, Sierra Bravo, I never got any response from my inquires about the remote mount oil filter STC.

    sj
    "Often Mistaken, but Never in Doubt"
    ------------------------------------------

  11. #11
    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Pierce View Post
    Learned lots of great tricks from Steve on his conversion that made an outstanding engine. Have fun.
    Steve

    I have started shopping for a 180, if I buy one with a run out engine, what would I need to budget for a PPonk conversion?
    "What we obtain too cheap we esteem too little!

  12. #12
    As a heads up, a nice taildragger lady's husband passed away rather suddenly, and she wants to sell their C-185 with a Robinson stol kit, or trade it for a nice citabria, super cub, etc. If that blows your skirt up any, pm me. This is in Ohio. John
    Those who pound their guns into plows, will plow for those who do not.

  13. #13
    Quote Originally Posted by dalec View Post
    Steve

    I have started shopping for a 180, if I buy one with a run out engine, what would I need to budget for a PPonk conversion?
    This system won't let me post that big of a number in one post...

    I budgeted 45 and spent 60. But, there were, as always, extenuating circumstances. Plan for those... I love my engine, but had I known what I was going to spend, I might have gone with an injected 550 or something injected.

    sj


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    "Often Mistaken, but Never in Doubt"
    ------------------------------------------

  14. #14
    Quote Originally Posted by SJ View Post
    I budgeted 45 and spent 60.


    I've got 1200 SMOH on a stock O-470U with a stock prop... better start saving my pennies now!

  15. #15
    I'll get SJ's bills and post them with all the goodies included.
    Steve Pierce

    "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
    Henry Ford

  16. #16
    With the $$$ numbers you are mentioning I got everything forward of the firewall brand new. A Platinum IO-550, Hartzell Buccaneer prop, engine mount and exhaust. My own labor.
    N1PA

  17. #17
    Quote Originally Posted by skywagon8a View Post
    With the $$$ numbers you are mentioning I got everything forward of the firewall brand new. A Platinum IO-550, Hartzell Buccaneer prop, engine mount and exhaust. My own labor.
    Labor is a significant part of one of these installations, especially on an older bird like mine that needed a lot of things.

    sj
    "Often Mistaken, but Never in Doubt"
    ------------------------------------------

  18. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Pierce View Post
    I'll get SJ's bills and post them with all the goodies included.
    Folks, just be prepared for "specification creep" when you get involved in this. There is a whole lot of "well, while we are in there we might as well" type stuff.

    sj
    "Often Mistaken, but Never in Doubt"
    ------------------------------------------

  19. #19
    I remember something like "while it's there can you go ahead and install...".
    Steve Pierce

    "When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
    Henry Ford

  20. #20
    Like all aircraft upgrades the cost of a Pponk engine upgrade depends on what you start with. My engine mod and prop cost 1/3 of what SJ reports. My costs are likely less than average. Steve's are certainly more than average. Expect to be somewhere in the middle.

  21. #21
    My 1976 C180J goes just fine with the stock engine, just ask SJ
    Jay Pratt
    Paul Revere, Borrowed Horse, & Shooter

  22. #22
    Quote Originally Posted by jaypratt View Post
    My 1976 C180J goes just fine with the stock engine, just ask SJ
    We have not had the time to climb race yet, Jay...

    sj
    "Often Mistaken, but Never in Doubt"
    ------------------------------------------

  23. #23
    Pierce will remember better everything he did, but if you are going to put a big 3 blade on it, even if you get a deal with the spinner that is going to set you back $10K or 1/6 of what I spent (I am counting my $5000 firewall backward annual and $3000ish new jump seats in the back of the plane in the $60K). Oh then there is the EI UGB CHT/EGT. New baffles from Airforms - you have to do that. We bought a new just been geared up IO520 from a baron (I think I have that right) since the 470J is not a valid place to start on this mod, so you have to factor that in. The sale of the J did not bring much. There is a crankshaft AD now, so if you had this done a while back, you might not have done that. This newish engine core had the new crank. All new cylinders, exhaust does not fit so had to be retroed, bunch of work on the carb to make it up to snuff, and everything in the world sent out to tuned up, balanced, etc. Plus Pierce spent no less than 400 hours on the phone with Steve Knopp.

    sj
    "Often Mistaken, but Never in Doubt"
    ------------------------------------------

  24. #24
    Quote Originally Posted by sierra bravo View Post
    Like all aircraft upgrades the cost of a Pponk engine upgrade depends on what you start with. My engine mod and prop cost 1/3 of what SJ reports. My costs are likely less than average. Steve's are certainly more than average. Expect to be somewhere in the middle.
    SB Sounds like I need to hire you as my "General Contractor" for this job
    "What we obtain too cheap we esteem too little!

  25. #25
    Accounting is the biggest difference between SJ and me. Steve says he included a $5K annual, $3K seats, new baffles, and an engine monitor in his cost report. Those items are not requisite for a Pponk upgrade so let's reduce the cost to around $50K. Now let's take that $50K cost for a total re-power with a new prop and deduct the cost of a stock motor and prop or prop overhaul if the original was worthy of saving. Now you'll have the cost of a Pponk upgrade. Probably along the lines of $20K. In my case I had a year-old 100 hour factory reman to base my upgrade on. New crank, new cylinders, and some simple case machine work. Add a C401 prop that Steve Knopp agreed to pay the shipping on so he could use it as an Airman's Show display prop, so I picked it up on a Sunday afternoon at the Fedex hangar. Pretty simple in my case, made better by TCM giving me a crank and a rebuild allowance, but I accounted for those expenses as costs in my $20K figure. If you start with a sound engine you can modify it relatively inexpensively. If you need a complete re-power expect a bigger price tag. But in either case, the Pponk engine/prop upgrade is nowhere near the $60K figure. It's a lot closer to the $20K figure. It's all in how you report the total expense.

    My wife was a big fan of what $20K did to our airplane. How's that for an endorsement?

  26. #26
    Quote Originally Posted by sierra bravo View Post
    My wife was a big fan of what $20K did to our airplane. How's that for an endorsement?
    Stewart

    Oddly enough, my wife is also driving this move to add a C180, she likes to fly, but doesn't enjoy riding in back. I told her I didn't want to give up the cub, so she told me to start shopping for a C180 to go with it.
    "What we obtain too cheap we esteem too little!

  27. #27
    Quote Originally Posted by sierra bravo View Post
    Accounting is the biggest difference between SJ and me. Steve says he included a $5K annual, $3K seats, new baffles, and an engine monitor in his cost report. Those items are not requisite for a Pponk upgrade so let's reduce the cost to around $50K. Now let's take that $50K cost for a total re-power with a new prop and deduct the cost of a stock motor and prop or prop overhaul if the original was worthy of saving. Now you'll have the cost of a Pponk upgrade. Probably along the lines of $20K. In my case I had a year-old 100 hour factory reman to base my upgrade on. New crank, new cylinders, and some simple case machine work. Add a C401 prop that Steve Knopp agreed to pay the shipping on so he could use it as an Airman's Show display prop, so I picked it up on a Sunday afternoon at the Fedex hangar. Pretty simple in my case, made better by TCM giving me a crank and a rebuild allowance, but I accounted for those expenses as costs in my $20K figure. If you start with a sound engine you can modify it relatively inexpensively. If you need a complete re-power expect a bigger price tag. But in either case, the Pponk engine/prop upgrade is nowhere near the $60K figure. It's a lot closer to the $20K figure. It's all in how you report the total expense.

    My wife was a big fan of what $20K did to our airplane. How's that for an endorsement?
    SB,
    did you do the "Super Eagle" engine conversion with PPonk..?

    I am looking into the options. Overhaul the stock 0-470R, or do the super eagle 0-470-50.

    I am trying to research prior to calling the pp people.

    I can see from your post you are happy with it.... any updated comments since the post in March?


    Anyone else have an opinion on stock VS the pponk?

    FWIW, I did a search and have read lots of the past posts about C-180 upgrades, and WAY too much
    about Weights.
    Was hoping for some current info.
    Last edited by Ruffair; 09-09-2012 at 06:06 PM.
    Yes, I'm an Oenophilia. And I VOTE...!!

  28. #28
    Kem,

    Schedule a trip back to Oklahoma and come fly mine with an IO-520

    Kirby
    "Illegitimis non carborundum"

  29. #29
    Quote Originally Posted by OLDCROWE View Post
    Kem,

    Schedule a trip back to Oklahoma and come fly mine with an IO-520

    Kirby
    Didn't cessna make some of those stock?
    I don't know where you've been me lad, but I see you won first Prize!

  30. #30
    Quote Originally Posted by aktango58 View Post
    Didn't cessna make some of those stock?
    Yea but they cost more...Smartarse
    "Illegitimis non carborundum"

  31. #31
    Quote Originally Posted by Ruffair View Post
    SB,
    did you do the "Super Eagle" engine conversion with PPonk..?

    I am looking into the options. Overhaul the stock 0-470R, or do the super eagle 0-470-50.

    I am trying to research prior to calling the pp people.

    I can see from your post you are happy with it.... any updated comments since the post in March?


    Anyone else have an opinion on stock VS the pponk?

    FWIW, I did a search and have read lots of the past posts about C-180 upgrades, and WAY too much
    about Weights.
    Was hoping for some current info.
    I did the Pponk 0-470-50 upgrade about 10 years ago. To date it's still the best mod I've done to my 180. I recommend it to anyone who can land in places they can't get back out of safely. It puts my own 180 in balance for what I want to do with it.
    Last edited by sierra bravo; 09-10-2012 at 01:17 AM.

  32. #32
    Kirby I'd love to fly in your airplane and would enjoy a trip to Tulsa. Won't be any too soon though.

    SB thanks for you input's...
    The R 's crank will not work. I will call PPonk and discuss our options.
    Thanks again..
    Kem
    Yes, I'm an Oenophilia. And I VOTE...!!

  33. #33
    Be sure to talk to the folks at Texas Skyways about Cessna engine conversions. http://txskyways.com/ They are terrific, honest and fair people to do business with. I am a happy customer.
    N1PA

  34. #34
    Quote Originally Posted by skywagon8a View Post
    Be sure to talk to the folks at Texas Skyways about Cessna engine conversions. http://txskyways.com/ They are terrific, honest and fair people to do business with. I am a happy customer.
    Will do, thanks for the link. !!
    Yes, I'm an Oenophilia. And I VOTE...!!

  35. #35
    Kem,

    I will second the Texas Skyways engine. I had the 250 hp, flew down and had them do a FWF on the plane. Was great, and they were honest and responded to all issues I had quickly.

    I would use them again.
    I don't know where you've been me lad, but I see you won first Prize!

  36. #36
    I loved the O-550 Texas Skyways I had

  37. #37
    Quote Originally Posted by okmike View Post
    I loved the O-550 Texas Skyways I had
    Yep, gone now I see! Had me dreaming a few days!
    JohnnyJackson

  38. #38
    you think these are costy,try keeping a light twin flying 300 to 400 hours a year,the cost is will make your head spin,doctors can"t even own them anymore.wages are so far behind cost,inflation,run away inflation. needed to replace two heated lift detectors new 4,200.00 each o/h 1,900.00 . The three cubs eat money to.every time you think you made alot of money, its time to spend. I try to buy 15 to 20 parts of each when I buy,use them ten years later best investment you can make these days. The best part is I get paid to fly low,and far.

  39. #39
    With the -50 PPonk mod on a c-180, one has to use the 3 blade prop per the stc.

    The McCauley C66 propeller is compatible with the -50 engine, however, it is not listed as an approved propeller on our STC.The installation would require an FAA Field Approval. You might discuss this with Lycon and see if they have had success obtaining Field Approvals through their local FSDO.


    Has anyone here gotten a field approval for the Mccauley 2 blade prop on a 180..? It is on the 182's stc, not the 180's.

    I have several issues with wanting to stay with the 2 blade, one is the way I can hangar a Cub in front of the 180, don't think it would work with 3 blades.

    Kem
    Yes, I'm an Oenophilia. And I VOTE...!!

  40. #40
    Quote Originally Posted by Ruffair View Post
    With the -50 PPonk mod on a c-180, one has to use the 3 blade prop per the stc.

    The McCauley C66 propeller is compatible with the -50 engine, however, it is not listed as an approved propeller on our STC.The installation would require an FAA Field Approval. You might discuss this with Lycon and see if they have had success obtaining Field Approvals through their local FSDO.


    Has anyone here gotten a field approval for the Mccauley 2 blade prop on a 180..? It is on the 182's stc, not the 180's.

    I have several issues with wanting to stay with the 2 blade, one is the way I can hangar a Cub in front of the 180, don't think it would work with 3 blades.

    Kem
    I would like to do that same but PPonk said no way. I would love to keep my 2 blade. For no other reason of the cost of that awesome C66.

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •